Conflicting reports on status of Lions coach

By PAULA PASCHE

Monday, December 31, 2012

Paula.pasche@oakpress.com; Twitter: @paulapasche

DETROIT — When all was said and done on Sunday, after the Lions eighth straight loss which capped a disappointing 4-12 season, Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz would not address his future with the team.

In his four seasons, Schwartz is 22-42 after taking over an 0-16 team. He’s had one winning season when they finished 10-6 in 2011 and went to the playoffs.

Prior to this season, he signed a contract extension that reportedly runs through 2015. Schwartz or the Lions would never discuss his contract terms.

“The thing I’m most concerned about is getting this team back to where we all want it to be. When the story of the season is written, it’s going to say 4-12 and nobody’s happy with that – players, coaches, front office, ownership, everybody,’’ Schwartz said.

“Everybody’s in the same boat with that. But we’re all focused on getting that right. There’s nobody happy with that. And whether you’re a player or you’re a coach in this league, it just comes with the territory, and particularly when you have a season like we did,’’ he added.

There were conflicting reports Sunday on Schwartz’s job status for next season.

He was pushed to answer if he expects to be back next season and would only say, “I’m only concerned with getting this team back. That’s the thing I’m most concerned with.’’

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported that the Ford family has discussed buying out Schwartz’s contract and moving on. Reportedly they are unhappy with the culture of the team.

Jason LaCanfora, the insider for CBSSports.com, reported that Schwartz is safe as did ProFootballTalk.com.

A week ago, ESPN’s Adam Schefter also reported that Schwartz is safe.

The Ford family has a long history of loyalty to general managers and coaches.

It’d be surprising to see them give up on Schwartz or general manager Martin Mayhew who just finished his fourth full season.

Last week Schwartz said he thought offensive coordinator Scott Linehan had done “a great job.”

Linehan and defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham each has a year remaining on his contract.

Cunningham, who is 66, said last week that he had no plans to retire.

There could be some shakeup among the position coaches. That should unfold in the next week or two.